Crochet Elizabeth Stitch Dishcloth (Free Printable)

The crochet Elizabeth stitch is a beautifully textured stitch that looks intricate but is surprisingly simple once you get into the rhythm.

Made with mini bean stitches and chain spaces, it creates a soft, bumpy fabric that is perfect for dishcloths, washcloths, baby blankets, and other cozy crochet projects.

This Crochet Elizabeth Stitch Dishcloth is a lovely quick make using cotton yarn and a 5 mm crochet hook.

The texture makes it practical for everyday use, while the simple row repeat makes it relaxing enough for an evening project.

In this pattern, you’ll learn how to crochet the Elizabeth stitch, also known as the mini bean stitch pattern, and make two dishcloth sizes: an 8-inch dishcloth and a 10-inch dishcloth.

Before You Get Started

• This pattern is written in US crochet terms.
• The Elizabeth stitch is worked over a multiple of 2 plus 4. The extra chains allow for the turning chain and help set up the first row correctly.
• The stitch pattern is created by making a mini bean stitch, chaining 1, skipping the next stitch, and repeating across the row. On the following rows, the mini bean stitches are worked into the ch-1 spaces from the previous row.
• The ch 1 after each mini bean stitch is important because it creates the space you will work into on the next row. Without that chain space, the stitch pattern will not form correctly.
• For this dishcloth, the starting chains are: 8-inch dishcloth: Ch 32/10-inch dishcloth: Ch 40.
• Because cotton yarn, stitch texture, and personal tension can affect the finished size, the row counts are given as a guide. For the best result, continue the row repeat until your dishcloth measures the correct height.
• Based on a gauge of approx 12 rows = 4 inches: 8-inch dishcloth: approx 24 rows/10-inch dishcloth: approx 30 rows

How Do You Crochet The Elizabeth Stitch?

To crochet the Elizabeth stitch, insert your hook into the next stitch or ch-1 space and pull up a loop.

Yarn over, insert your hook into the same stitch or space again, and pull up another loop.

You will have 4 loops on your hook. Yarn over and pull through all 4 loops to complete one mini bean stitch.

After each mini bean stitch, chain 1 and skip the next stitch.

This creates the textured Elizabeth stitch pattern and forms the ch-1 spaces you will work into on the next row.

From Row 2 onward, you will work each mini bean stitch into the next ch-1 space, chain 1, and repeat across.

At the end of the row, the last stitch is worked under the turning chain to keep the edge neat and even.

Materials

• Cotton yarn – Lily Sugar ‘n Cream or similar worsted weight cotton
• 5 mm / H-8 crochet hook
• Scissors
• Tapestry needle
• Optional: Blocking mat and pins if you want to gently square the finished dishcloth.

Size Information

• Size 1: 8 inches x 8 inches approx
• Size 2: 10 inches x 10 inches approx

The final size is controlled by:

• Starting chain
• Number of rows
• Your tension
• The thickness and texture of your cotton yarn

Because cotton and texture can vary, repeat the pattern until your dishcloth measures the desired height.

Abbreviations

US Terms

MB — Mini Bean Stitch
Insert hook into the next stitch or chain space, yarn over, and draw up a loop. Yarn over, insert hook into the same stitch or space, yarn over and draw up a loop. You should have 4 loops on your hook. Yarn over and draw through all loops on your hook. One mini bean stitch made.

• Ch — Chain Stitch
• Dc — Double Crochet
• Rep — Repeat
• Rpt — Repeat
• Sc — Single Crochet
• Sk — Skip
• Sl St — Slip Stitch
• St / Sts — Stitch / Stitches
• Yo — Yarn Over

UK Terms Note: This pattern is written in US crochet terms. For UK crocheters, a US sc is a UK dc. The bean stitch instructions remain the same.

Pattern Instructions

Size 1: 8-Inch Dishcloth

Foundation Chain

Ch 32 (multiple of 2 plus 4)

Row 1

Insert hook into the 4th ch from the hook and pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into the same ch and pull up another loop, yo and pull through all 4 loops on the hook.

*Ch 1, sk next ch, insert hook into next ch and pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into the same ch and pull up another loop, yo and pull through all 4 loops on the hook; rep from * to the end of the row.

Turn.

Row 2

Ch 3.

*Insert hook into the next ch-1 sp and pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into the same ch-1 sp and pull up another loop, yo and pull through all 4 loops on the hook, ch 1; rep from * across.

Work the last stitch under the turning chain.

Turn.

Repeat

Repeat Row 2 until the dishcloth measures 8 inches tall.

You will likely need approx 24 rows for 8 inches.

Finishing

Fasten off.

Weave in ends with a tapestry needle.

Block lightly if needed. A gentle steam block or damp pinning can help square the dishcloth.

Size 2: 10-Inch Dishcloth

Foundation Chain

Ch 40 (multiple of 2 plus 4)

Row 1

Insert hook into the 4th ch from the hook and pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into the same ch and pull up another loop, yo and pull through all 4 loops on the hook.

*Ch 1, sk next ch, insert hook into next ch and pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into the same ch and pull up another loop, yo and pull through all 4 loops on the hook; rep from * to the end of the row.

Turn.

Row 2

Ch 3.

*Insert hook into the next ch-1 sp and pull up a loop, yo, insert hook into the same ch-1 sp and pull up another loop, yo and pull through all 4 loops on the hook, ch 1; rep from * across.

Work the last stitch under the turning chain.

Turn.

Repeat

Repeat Row 2 until the dishcloth measures 10 inches tall.

You will likely need approx 30 rows for 10 inches.

Finishing

Fasten off.

Weave in ends.

Block lightly if needed.

Optional Simple Border

If you want a neat, finished edge, you can add a simple single crochet border.

• Join yarn in any corner.
• Round 1: Sc evenly around the entire dishcloth, placing (sc, ch 1, sc) in each corner.
• Join with a sl st to the first sc.
• Fasten off and weave in ends.

Tip: The sides of the Elizabeth stitch are textured, so aim for an even edge rather than a perfect stitch count. Usually, 1 sc per row-end works well, but you can skip or add a stitch if needed so the dishcloth lays flat.

Free Printable

You can also grab the free printable version of this pattern if you’d like to keep it with your pattern binder or use it while crocheting away from your screen.

FAQ

Is the Elizabeth stitch the same as the mini bean stitch?

The Elizabeth stitch is made using the mini bean stitch. In many crochet patterns, you will see it written as bean, mini bean stitch, or mbs.

Should there be a ch 1 between each bean stitch?

Yes. The ch 1 is important. It creates the space you will work into on the next row. Without the ch 1, you would not have the correct spaces for the row repeat.

Where do I work the last stitch?

At the end of the row, work the last stitch into the final ch-3 space. This helps keep the edges straight and gives the dishcloth an even shape.

What yarn is best for crochet dishcloths?

Cotton yarn is best for dishcloths because it is absorbent, durable, and easy to wash. Lily Sugar ‘n Cream is a great choice for this project.

Can I make this dishcloth bigger?

Yes. To make the dishcloth wider, start with a longer even-numbered chain. Then repeat Row 2 until the dishcloth is the height you want.

Can I use the Elizabeth stitch for blankets?

Yes, the Elizabeth stitch makes a beautiful textured fabric for blankets, baby blankets, washcloths, scarves, and home decor projects.

Does this stitch use a lot of yarn?

The Elizabeth stitch uses a little more yarn than a basic sc or dc fabric because of the texture, but for a dishcloth, one ball of cotton yarn is usually enough.

Do I need to block the dishcloth?

Blocking is optional, but it can help square the corners and smooth the edges, especially if your tension changed slightly while working.

More Dishcloth Crochet Patterns

If you enjoyed making this pattern, you might also like these simple kitchen projects:

• easy single crochet dishcloth
• moss stitch washcloth
• granny square dishcloth
• ribbed cotton cloth
• crochet lemon peel stitch dishcloth pattern
• crochet Suzette stitch dishcloth pattern

These small projects are useful, satisfying to make, and perfect for gift baskets or adding a handmade touch to your home.

Happy crocheting!